Georgia Tech completes prototype anti-photography system

Researchers at Georgia Tech have announced completion of a prototype device, built using off-the-shelf components, that can prevent unwanted digital video and still photography in a given area. There is obvious interest in the project from the security industry and also the film industry where it could be used in theaters to prevent bootlegging.

The system is in its infancy and there are a lot of kinks to work out. But technology like this will only improve. It’s just a matter of time before you can buy a wearable device that will project a “zone of privacy” wherever you go. That’s all good, but I think we should all be on the lookout for legislation in the next few years, backed by the film industry, that attempts to ban anti-photography countermeasures. Countermeasures might include active devices that block or impede the anti-photography system or might be as simple as using a film camera. It’s not too hard to imagine is it? A ban on film cameras because they circumvent this system? They’re already trying the same thing with television recording devices. We might all be writing our representatives about this in a few years.

John Watson

John is the original founder of Photodoto, but after running it for 4 years he had to focus on different things. If you're interested in what John has been up to recently, you can check is personal blog or browse his photo blog.